Mitch Barnhart is one of, if not the, most successful athletic directors in the country, boosting UK Athletics’ performance in all sports during his 22-year tenure. Now, he’s here to stay for a little while longer. A source tells KSR’s Matt Jones that the University of Kentucky is extending Barnhart’s contract through 2028. Previously, it was set to expire after the 2025-2026 school year. An announcement from the university is expected later this afternoon.
Barnhart has the second-longest tenure among current Power 5 athletic directors behind Oklahoma’s Joe Castiglione. He is currently on the Selection Committee for the College Football Playoff and served on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee for five years.