Kentucky Booster Sends Letter to President Capilouto Demanding Reversal of Barnhart’s New Role

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A letter from University of Kentucky booster Brett Setzer to President Eli Capilouto, obtained by KSR, has escalated concerns surrounding the planned transition of outgoing Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart into a newly created role as Executive in Residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative.

Setzer, who described himself as a lifelong supporter and significant financial contributor to UK athletics, expressed “deeply misguided” reservations about Barnhart’s appointment, particularly the lack of a defined job description and the substantial $950,000 annual salary. The letter, which was similarly sent to the UK Athletics Committee and the Board of Trustees, questioned the fairness of the arrangement, suggesting it resembled a “first NIL-style arrangement for someone other than an athlete.”

The concerns center on the perception that the deal prioritizes administrative self-interest over the needs of student-athletes and the broader university community. Setzer argued the agreement “insults the athletes and coaches in the smaller programs that struggle to secure meaningful NIL support” and undermines donor confidence.

Barnhart’s retirement, announced on March 3, 2026, after nearly 24 years as Athletics Director, will see him transition into the novel position on July 1, 2026, according to an amended employment contract put into effect on March 2, 2026. The contract also includes a $650,000 retention bonus for the remainder of his current contract, ending June 30, 2026. The University of Kentucky announced Barnhart would be the first to hold the Executive in Residence position within the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative, a program designed to address the evolving landscape of college athletics and its economic impact.

While Capilouto has publicly praised Barnhart’s leadership and commitment to the university, describing his goal as helping student-athletes earn “championship rings on their fingers and diplomas in their hands,” the specifics of the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative remain largely undefined. Capilouto stated that details of the initiative would be announced in the coming weeks.

Setzer’s letter directly challenged Barnhart’s dismissal of critics as “knuckleheads,” arguing that such rhetoric stifles legitimate debate and undermines the university’s dignity. He called for a reversal of the decision, suggesting Barnhart should be allowed to depart with a settled contract rather than casting a “lingering shadow of criticism and cronyism.”

As of March 24, 2026, the University of Kentucky and President Capilouto have not publicly responded to Setzer’s letter. A scheduled appearance featuring Capilouto and Barnhart on the “Behind the Blue” podcast, announced by UK Athletics, is expected to address the transition, but the university has not indicated whether it will address the specific concerns raised by Setzer and other boosters.