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Mitch Barnhart Steps Away From Proposed Job at Kentucky Amid Growing Criticism
The university said the role drew criticism over its $950,000 salary and undefined duties, and Barnhart said he wanted the focus to return to students.
- On Thursday, University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced he will retire on June 30, dropping plans to transition into the "Executive in Residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative" role.
- Earlier this week, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear questioned the creation of a $1 million job that lacked defined duties, citing concerns about university management and decision-making.
- President Eli Capilouto said in a press release that Barnhart approached him earlier this week, concluding the public discussion surrounding the role had become "a distraction from the work of our university."
- Compensation associated with his departure will be supported entirely by private funds that Capilouto will raise, not athletic budgets or funds designated for NIL opportunities.
- Barnhart concludes a 24-year tenure as the longest-serving Athletic Director in any Power-four Conference, highlighted by six NCAA championships and his 2022 induction into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Retiring Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart won’t take new high-paying role at school
Retiring Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart won’t take on a new high-paying role at the school after all, an announcement coming days after Gov. Andy Beshear questioned decision-making at the school that included Barnhart’s move.
Hastings Tribune
The Daily ItemMitch Barnhart steps away from proposed job at Kentucky amid growing criticism
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two days after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined the growing number of people criticizing the new university job created for UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart, UK has announced Barnhart will no longer take that job.
Retiring Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart won't take new high-paying role at school
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Retiring Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart won’t take on a new high-paying role at the school after all, an announcement coming days after Gov. Andy Beshear questioned decision-making at the school that included Barnhart’s move. Barnhart and University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto issued statements Thursday confirming Barnhart wouldn’t become the […]
Mitch Barnhart now leaving UK for good amid criticism over post-retirement role
"Mitch and his family care deeply about this institution and our state, and they want the focus to return to the work that matters most for our students and the Commonwealth," UK's president said.
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