Mitch Barnhart will retire, effective June 30, after nearly a quarter century as Kentucky's athletics director. His tenure saw UK win a men's basketball national title in 2012, Wildcat football enjoy its winningest stretch ever under Mark Stoops, along with five other national titles, 63 SEC championships, and $750 million raised for facilities.
Barnhart will take a victory lap for the remainder of the academic year. And when that lap finishes, he'll continue circling the track -- this time in a gold-plated chariot.
In conjunction with his retirement as Kentucky's athletics director, Barnhart will move into a newly-created position as the Executive in Residence for UK's Sport and Workforce Initiative.
“Athletics is fundamental to who we are at UK and how we work to advance Kentucky. It is a growing and dynamic area of our economy, here and nationally. College athletics is undergoing (sic) a dramatic series of changes. We need people – from sports administration, to marketing, from philanthropy to academic support and mental and physical health – ready for leadership," UK president Dr. Eli Capilouto said. “Mitch is distinctly equipped to help us think about the future of intercollegiate sports. I am excited he accepted my offer to take on this new role.”
Considering the money he'll make, it was a no-brainer.
According to documents obtained by Maggie Davis of KBA-TV in Lexington, Barnhart will earn $950,000 a year in the role, which runs through Aug. 31, 2030. He would be owed the full amount of the contract if fired without cause. Barnhart is also due 10 tickets to every Wildcat football, men's basketball, and baseball game through his and his wife Connie's lifetimes.
Barnhart will also collect on the $650,000 longevity bonus due at the end of the academic year, but he will no longer participate in bonuses for on- or off-field accomplishments.
His duties as the Executive in Residence is to essentially... show up and do whatever the job is supposed to be.
One clue that Barnhart won't be chained to his desk in golden handcuffs: Kentucky's release noted that, in addition to spending more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Barnhart also plans to carve out "more time for avocations such as hiking and golfing."
“I’m not sure there’s ever a finish line for leaders,” Barnhart said. “You get to a spot where you finish one job and the next one starts and then the next task and the next task and the next task. At some point you have to say the baton is someone else’s to carry.
“I’m so thankful that Dr. Capilouto is providing a ‘what’s next’ after leaving this position and we can have an impact another way. It will matter to the University, it will matter to our department, it will matter to Kentucky. I’m super appreciative of this opportunity. My love for this place is overflowing.”