Report: Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart to retire after 24 years

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd March, 12:19 2026

Dec 3, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats athletic director Mitch Barnhart speaks during the introductory press conference for head football coach Will Stein at Nutter Field House. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Longtime Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart is expected to announce his retirement in the "near future," ESPN reported on Tuesday.

Barnhart, 66, has overseen the Wildcats' athletic department since 2002 and is the longest-tenured athletic director in any of the Power Four conferences.

In August 2023, Barnhart signed an extension on his contract through 2028. According to reports, his deal includes a clause allowing him to step down in July 2026 to transition to a non-athletic role such as special assistant to Kentucky president Eli Capilouto.

The Wildcats have won six national championships during Barnhart's tenure: men's basketball (2012), women's volleyball (2020) and the rifle team (2011, 2018, 2021 and 2022).

The Kentucky football program posted a pair of 10-win seasons (2018, 2021) on his watch, peaking with a No. 7 AP ranking during the 2022 campaign.

Barnhart was named the Division I Athletic Director of the Year by the Sports Business Journal in 2019. Before taking over in Lexington, he worked as the AD at Oregon State from 1998-2002.

--Field Level Media