Kentucky’s McLean Secures Extension Through 2027

Kentucky men’s basketball is keeping one of its most promising young coaches on board. Assistant coach Mikhail McLean has signed a contract extension through the 2026-27 season, solidifying his place on Mark Pope’s staff for at least two more years. The news, first reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader, underscores Pope’s confidence in McLean, whom he has publicly called a “star in the making.”

McLean, 33, was the final addition to Pope’s inaugural Kentucky staff last spring. Initially signed to a one-year deal worth $150,000 plus incentives, McLean’s new agreement marks a significant raise: he’ll earn $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 in 2026-27.

Before coming to Lexington, McLean spent three years as an assistant at Lamar University and previously worked in support roles under Kelvin Sampson at Houston, where he also played from 2010 to 2015. A native of Nassau, Bahamas, McLean remains involved internationally as associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bahamian National Team.

In his first year at Kentucky, McLean handled development of the Wildcats’ frontcourt and quickly earned praise for his work with big men Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison. Williams has since declared for the NBA Draft, but Garrison is returning for his junior season after averaging 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds off the bench.

“Clearly, you’ve seen it,” Pope said late in the season. “Our fives have had to carry an enormous load this year, and Coach McLean has been with them every step of the way—on the court, in the classroom, and in life. He’s meant so much to us.”

McLean will now shift focus to Kentucky’s revamped frontcourt, which includes returning center Garrison and three newcomers: five-star forward Jayden Quaintance, Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic, and in-state 7-footer Malachi Moreno.

Mark Fox, another assistant who joined the staff last year, is expected to return, although an official extension hasn’t been announced. The other assistants—Alvin Brooks III, Cody Fueger, and Jason Hart—remain under contract through the 2025-26 season. Brooks, the associate head coach, will make $825,000, while Fueger and Hart are set to earn $525,000 each.

As for Pope, Kentucky’s Sweet 16 appearance triggered an automatic extension to his original five-year deal. He is now signed through the 2029-30 season and will earn an average annual salary of $5.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball.

If Kentucky can keep the same staff intact while also bringing back key players, it will strengthen their chances for a deep NCAA Tournament run — and hopefully, bring home banner No. 9 to the Bluegrass.