The University of Kentucky is evaluating multiple organizational structures for its next athletic director as the school prepares for a major leadership transition following Mitch Barnhart’s planned retirement in June.
Two months ago, it was announced that Barnhart would step down, prompting Kentucky to begin a national search. Since then, UK President Eli Capilouto has conducted a listening tour across the athletic department and broader university community. While no final decision has been made,
a hire is expected before the start of the next academic year.
One of the most notable options under consideration is a dual-athletic director model, separating responsibilities between business operations and athletic oversight in response to the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL and revenue sharing.
“In this new environment, the organizational structure may have to change,” UK president Eli Capilouto told the Champions Blue board of governors at its meeting last week. “We have an incredible team, and they will continue to do great work, but we must examine what other organizational and structural models — many of those you’ll find similarities in business, professional sports and other entities — are necessary.”
Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader received a 31-page document that outlines four proposed leadership models developed with consulting firm Deloitte. The presentation also included discussions on NIL Go, the College Sports Commission, and national trends in athletic department restructuring.
Capilouto remains undecided, with a temporary structure possible as UK and Champions Blue continue evaluating long-term solutions. Multiple candidates remain under consideration, including Boise State athletic director Jeremiah Dickey, according to Justin Rowland of KSR+, as Kentucky weighs an innovative approach to its next era of leadership.
