After 24 years as the Director of Athletics at the University of Kentucky, Mitch Barnhart is officially retiring from his post, but his work in Lexington is far from finished. Barnhart will transition into a new position as Executive in Residence for the UK Sports & Workforce Initiative, a role that extends through 2030 and keeps him closely tied to the university, including the college athletics he has helped shape since 2002.
In his new role, Barnhart will earn $950,000 annually and retain several
benefits, including access to home-game tickets as well for certain sports. So while he may not be the AD any longer, it sounds like he’ll still have a significant role in the department while also getting paid more money than most sitting ADs get.
Barnhart’s tenure stands as one of the longest and also the most accomplished among Power 4 athletic directors. Under his leadership, Kentucky secured six NCAA championships, including the 2012 men’s basketball title and the 2020 volleyball crown, along with four national championships in rifle.
Nationally, Barnhart helped guide the NCAA through major turning points, including chairing the 2020–21 Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee during the pandemic and serving on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. His influence extended across the SEC, where he has long served as chair of the league’s athletic directors.
While he steps away from day-to-day athletic operations, he has left an important mark on Kentucky sports remains firmly intact. He’ll also be well compensated for it for the foreseeable future.
As news of Barnhart’s retirement spreads, reactions are mixed, as some fans applaud the change, while others express deep respect for his long-standing commitment to the university.
