‘Behind the Blue’: UK President Eli Capilouto and outgoing Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart reflect on ‘passing the baton’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2026) — University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart will retire from his role at the end of June after nearly 24 years leading Kentucky Athletics, UK President Eli Capilouto announced Tuesday. Barnhart will remain at UK in a new role focused on the future of sports and workforce development.
This week’s episode of “Behind the Blue” features a conversation with Capilouto and Barnhart, recorded just before the announcement. The two reflect on Barnhart’s leadership, the transformation of Kentucky Athletics during his tenure and what comes next for both Barnhart and the university.
Capilouto said Barnhart’s legacy is defined not only by competitive success, but by a commitment to doing things the right way — creating a culture of excellence, integrity and student support that strengthened the university and its connection to the Commonwealth. Under Barnhart’s leadership, UK has won six NCAA team championships and achieved more than 60 conference or conference tournament titles, while also emphasizing academic achievement for student-athletes.
Barnhart has also played a significant leadership role nationally, including service on the College Football Playoff Committee and chairing the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee during the COVID era.
Following his retirement as athletics director, Barnhart will become the first executive-in-residence of the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative, a new effort designed to prepare students and professionals for leadership across the evolving sports industry. Capilouto said additional details about the initiative will be announced in the coming weeks, and he plans to conduct a listening tour as UK begins its search for the next athletics director.
On this episode, Barnhart and Capilouto also discuss the personal elements of Barnhart’s decision — including family, faith and what Barnhart describes as the importance of “passing the baton” at the right time — while expressing gratitude for the people and community that shaped his years at Kentucky.
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“Behind the Blue” is a production of the University of Kentucky. Transcripts for most episodes are now embedded in the audio file and can be accessed in many podcast apps during playback. Transcripts for older episodes remain available on the show’s blog page.
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This interview has been edited for time and clarity.
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