LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky students are reacting to athletic director Mitch Barnhart's decision to fully retire in June rather than transition into a newly created position, according to LEX 18 News.

Barnhart, who has served as the university's long-standing athletic director, will not assume the role of Executive in Residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, a new position created as part of his transition plan. Instead, he will officially depart the university this summer.

UK student Landon Giles said he initially viewed the new position as a way for the university to manage Barnhart's exit. "When he took the new position I just kind of thought it was a way to buy him out," Giles said. "But now that he's not here at all I don't have any hard feelings about it. Obviously, I hope the best for the guy but I'm looking forward to who we bring in next."

Fellow student Carter Overtoom acknowledged Barnhart's past accomplishments while noting the challenges that emerged during his tenure. "I think Mitch Barnhart did a great job in the past. There's a point in time where we were doing good and everything was fine. But then problems started arising," Overtoom said. "We should have addressed them then and there, but we didn't."

As the university begins its search for a new athletic director, students are urging leadership to be deliberate in the hiring process. Giles emphasized the importance of patience and thorough vetting, cautioning against long-term contracts that could prove problematic. "I hope whoever takes this position is patient and it's not like a quick hire. I hope that they actually look into what they're doing," he said, referencing the university's previous experience with coaching buyouts.

The departure marks the end of an era in UK athletics as the university seeks new leadership to guide its sports programs forward.