Mikhail McLean Signs Contract Extension with Kentucky Wildcats

News Summary

Mikhail McLean, the youngest member of the coaching staff for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, has signed a contract extension through the 2026-27 season. After a successful year as an assistant coach, McLean’s vital role includes working with post players and preparing the team for the upcoming season. His salary significantly increases from $150,000 to $400,000 for the 2025-26 season. This extension reflects his contributions and importance in player development, alongside performance-based bonuses that promote team success.

Lexington, Kentucky – Mikhail McLean, the youngest member of Mark Pope’s coaching staff for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, has officially signed a contract extension that will keep him in Lexington through the 2026-27 season. This development follows his successful tenure as an assistant coach, where he has played a vital role in the team’s overall performance and player development.

Initially brought on board last spring on a one-season deal, McLean has quickly become an integral part of the program, primarily working with the team’s post players, including Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison. As part of his new contract, the 33-year-old assistant coach’s salary will increase significantly; he is set to earn $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 for the 2026-27 season, a sharp rise from his original salary of $150,000.

Mark Pope, who did not have a prior relationship with McLean before hiring him, has publicly praised him for his contributions to the program, referring to him as “a star” in the making. McLean brings an energetic presence to the Wildcats, engaging players not only through on-court coaching but also with daily film sessions and analytical breakdowns. He plays a crucial role in mentoring players both personally and professionally, ensuring their development extends beyond just basketball.

As part of his responsibilities, McLean has been integral in preparing the Wildcats for the upcoming season. Kentucky’s frontcourt will include returning player Garrison and projected NBA lottery pick Jayden Quaintance, underscoring the importance of McLean’s role in player development and strategy.

In addition to his work at Kentucky, McLean also serves as an assistant coach for the Bahamas national team, showcasing his commitment to advancing basketball talent globally. A native of the Bahamas, McLean moved to Texas at the age of 14 to pursue a career in basketball and has since built an impressive coaching resume. Before joining Kentucky, he was an assistant coach at Lamar University, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in collegiate coaching.

McLean’s contract extension includes performance-based bonuses that provide further financial incentive for success on the court. Last season, coaches received a $20,000 bonus for advancing to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, and additional bonuses scale up to $100,000 for winning an NCAA Championship. Other potential bonuses include $30,000 for winning an SEC regular-season championship and $20,000 for claiming an SEC Tournament title.

McLean’s contract extension is part of a broader picture regarding Kentucky’s coaching staff. Associate coach Mark Fox also joined on a one-year deal with a salary of $200,000 and is expected to remain for the 2025-26 season. Other assistant coaches—Alvin Brooks III, Cody Fueger, and Jason Hart—have signed two-year contracts with salaries of $825,000 and $525,000 respectively. On a larger scale, Mark Pope’s contract extends through the end of the 2028-29 season, with an average annual salary of $5.5 million.

As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season, the coaching staff’s stability, particularly with McLean’s extension, may enhance the team’s performance and progress in collegiate basketball.

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HERE Resources

Kentucky Wildcats’ Grant Darbyshire Enters Transfer Portal
Lost Season for Kentucky Wildcats: A Disappointing Journey through SEC Struggles

Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Mikhail McLean Contract Extension
• Wikipedia
• A Sea of Blue: McLean Contract Update
• Google Search: Mikhail McLean Kentucky basketball
• College Football Network: McLean Rising Star
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Athlon Sports: Wildcats Assistant Coach
• Google Scholar: Mikhail McLean
• USA Today: McLean Extension News
• Google News: Kentucky Basketball

Author: HERE Lexington