University of Kentucky seeking external hire for new athletic director
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 6:48 PM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026
The University of Kentucky is in the process of hiring a new athletic director as Mitch Barnhart's tenure concludes this month. Sources indicate the search has focused on external candidates rather than promoting from within. UK President Eli Capilouto mentioned the ideal candidate should have extensive experience in athletics and business acumen. The university has enlisted a search firm to aid in this nationwide search, budgeting $30,000 for their services. An announcement regarding the new hire is anticipated by the end of June.
- •Mitch Barnhart's term as athletic director ends this month.
- •UK is reportedly not considering internal candidates for the position.
- •The university is focused on finding someone with strong business experience.
- •A search firm has been hired to assist with the nationwide search.
- •UK expects to announce the new athletic director by the end of June.
- 6:48 PMYahoo Sports — UK is not expected to hire from within for next AD as Mitch Barnhart serves out his final month
"It looks like the University of Kentucky is going with an external hire as the new AD.
Sources
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