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Sport: BasketballCategory: Coaching

Kentucky hires J Batt as athletic director amid uncertainty for Mark Pope

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 5:16 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Kentucky hires J Batt as athletic director amid uncertainty for Mark Pope
Summary

Kentucky announced the hiring of J Batt as their new athletic director on June 15, 2026. Batt arrives from Michigan State and has a history of swiftly firing inherited coaches, including recent dismissals at Georgia Tech and Michigan State. His appointment comes as basketball coach Mark Pope enters a critical third season after a challenging tenure marked by injuries and a recent NCAA Tournament exit. The Wildcats have made roster improvements for the upcoming season, including key player retainment. Batt's effectiveness in leading the program and addressing its basketball performance will be closely monitored going forward.

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Key Details
  • •J Batt replaces Mitch Barnhart as athletic director at Kentucky.
  • •Batt has a track record of quickly firing coaches.
  • •Mark Pope's job security is uncertain heading into the new season.
  • •Kentucky basketball aims to improve after recent roster changes.
  • •Batt will oversee Kentucky's nonprofit athletic department initiative.
Latest Updates
  • 5:16 PMCBS Sports — Why Kentucky's hiring of J Batt as AD may mean bad news for embattled basketball coach Mark Pope
What they're saying
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Batt is arriving from Michigan State with a track record of quickly pulling trigger on firing coaches he inherited

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