Recent news (May 2025): Mikhail McLean, a key assistant coach on Mark Pope’s staff, has officially signed a contract extension that will keep him with Kentucky through the 2026–27 season. His salary bumps up significantly: $400,000 for the 2025–26 season and $425,000 the next year, up from just $150,000 previously .
McLean has quickly solidified his role as a vital piece of the coaching puzzle at Kentucky. Initially joining last spring on a modest one-year deal, he proved instrumental in developing the team’s frontcourt—helping players like Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison improve under his guidance .
The new contract reflects that evolution—from a one-year, experimental hire to a trusted, long-term cornerstone in Pope’s program. His salary hikes and extension reflect Kentucky’s confidence in his coaching acumen and his importance in the Wildcats’ future .
Moreover, performance bonuses tied to NCAA success remain in place, such as rewards for reaching the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, or winning a championship .
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Just to Be Clear: It Wasn’t a Head Coach Deal
Despite the headline’s dramatic tone, this contract pertains to an assistant—not the head coach. The head coach—Mark Pope—is still under the terms of the original deal:
Pope’s five-year deal, signed in 2024, runs through 2028–29 and is worth $27.5 million total (roughly $5.5 million annually). His salary started at $5 million for the 2024–25 season, increasing by $250,000 each year through 2028–29 .
That contract also includes performance incentives—$50,000 for Sweet 16, $100,000 for Elite Eight, $250,000 for Final Four, and $500,000 for a national championship, plus bonuses for SEC regular-season and tournament success .
Additionally, when Kentucky reached the Sweet 16 this past March, Pope earned an additional year extension on his deal and a $50,000 bonus, pushing his contract out through the 2029–30 season .
No recent news indicates that Pope himself signed a brand-new deal or renegotiated terms—so any mention of a “new deal” refers to McLean’s extension, not a change to Pope’s status.
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Summary of Key Points
Person Role New Contract Details
Mikhail McLean Assistant Coach Extended through 2026–27; $400K (2025–26), $425K (2026–27)
Mark Pope Head Coach Original five-year deal through 2028–29; extended via Sweet 16 achievement through 2029–30
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So, while it’s exciting news that an assistant coach is locked in for the long haul, the head coach isn’t signing a “new” deal—just benefiting from the incentive-based extension he already earned.
Let me know if you’d like more details on any of the coaching staff, bonus structures, or Kentucky’s future plans under Pope!