Kentucky announced Monday that athletic director Mitch Barnhart will retire in June and transition into a new role at the university.
Barnhart has served as Kentucky’s athletic director since 2002, overseeing the Wildcats’ athletic department for more than two decades. The university did not provide additional details in its announcement beyond the timing of his retirement and his move into a new position on campus.
Long tenure in Lexington
Barnhart’s retirement marks the end of an era for Kentucky athletics, where he has been a central figure in the department’s leadership since taking over the AD role in 2002. His departure will come as the university prepares for a leadership change at one of college sports’ most prominent athletic programs.
Kentucky said Barnhart will remain in place through June before beginning his next role at the university.