The University of Kentucky is considering multiple organizational structures while filling the athletics director void created by Mitch Barnhart's retirement next month, including a split-leadership model.
As reported by Chris Beasmore of A Sea of Blue, the announcement two months ago that Barnhart would step down in June prompted Kentucky to begin a national search. UK President Eli Capilouto has conducted a listening tour across the athletic department and broader university community, and a hire is expected before the start of the next academic year.
"One of the most notable options under consideration is a dual-athletic director model, separating responsibilities between business operations and athletic oversight in response to the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL and revenue sharing," Beasmore wrote Tuesday.
“In this new environment, the organizational structure may have to change,” UK president Eli Capilouto told the Champions Blue board of governors at its meeting last week. “We have an incredible team, and they will continue to do great work, but we must examine what other organizational and structural models — many of those you’ll find similarities in business, professional sports and other entities — are necessary.”
Per Beasmore's report, Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader received a 31-page document that outlines four proposed leadership models developed with consulting firm Deloitte. The presentation also included discussions on NIL Go, the College Sports Commission, and national trends in athletic department restructuring.
"Capilouto remains undecided, with a temporary structure possible as UK and Champions Blue continue evaluating long-term solutions," Beasmore reported.
