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Mitch Barnhart retires from Kentucky as Athletic Director, receives settlement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 10:40 AM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Mitch Barnhart retires from Kentucky as Athletic Director, receives settlement

Summary

Mitch Barnhart concludes his tenure as the athletic director for the University of Kentucky, confirmed by a report on July 9, 2026. He will receive a retirement payment of $3.2 million, to be distributed through 2029. While Barnhart will not hold an active role, he may have fundraising responsibilities under president Eli Capilouto. The decision aligns with Kentucky's desire for a younger director more attuned to the evolving of college athletics.

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Key Details

•Barnhart retires with a $3.2 million settlement from Kentucky.
•Settlement to be paid over several years until 2029.
•Barnhart may assist with fundraising tasks post-retirement.
•Kentucky seeks a younger athletic director focused on NIL.

Latest Updates

10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Kentucky Wildcats News: Mitch Barnhart gets his Golden Parachute after all

What they're saying

"
Mitch Barnhart’s days as Athletic Director for the University of Kentucky are now over, but that doesn’t mean he’s done cashing checks from UK. In fact, according to a report yesterday from Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Big Blue Nation learned that Barnhart is indeed receiving a retirement settlement — and it’s of pretty […]
— Yahoo Sports

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