Barnhart to Transition from UK AD to Academic Leader in Sports Workforce Initiative
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart will retire effective June 30 but will begin June 1 as the university’s first Executive in Residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, an academic project led by UK President Eli Capilouto. Barnhart’s new role will be on the academic side with no athletics oversight, and UK plans a thoughtful search for his replacement in athletics. Barnhart’s amended contract reportedly runs through August 31, 2030 with a base salary of $950,000 plus benefits and life perks, and he will remain connected in a supporting/advisory capacity as the university develops the program to study and promote sports.