A rising star for Kentucky basketball has a new contract with the Wildcats
Kentucky’s Rising Star Coach Mikhail McLean Inks New Deal — and the Big Blue Future Just Got Brighter
In a move that signals both trust and vision, Kentucky basketball has officially locked in one of its brightest young minds for the long haul. Mikhail McLean, the youngest member of Mark Pope’s new coaching regime, has signed a fresh contract that will keep him in Lexington through the 2026-27 season — a major vote of confidence in a coach that Pope himself has described as a future star.
McLean, just 33 years old, has seen a meteoric rise in his young career. From his days as a standout 6-foot-8 forward at the University of Houston, to cutting his teeth under veteran coach Kelvin Sampson, and then to a short but impactful stint at Lamar University, McLean has been climbing steadily. Last spring, he took a leap — joining Kentucky’s staff on a one-year deal with no prior relationship with Pope. Now, just a year later, he’s earned a long-term spot with one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
And it’s not just about the years — it’s about the dollars, too. McLean’s new contract will pay him $400,000 in 2025-26 and $425,000 the following year, a significant jump from his initial $150,000 deal. The raise is a reflection of his rising influence within the program, particularly among the big men he mentors daily.
“Coach McLean has been with those guys every step of the way, kind of mentoring and tutoring and teaching and growing them,” Pope said. “He’s in daily film with those guys, analytical breakdowns, coaching them on the court, coaching them in the classroom and in their life. And he is a star in the making.”
That “star” status isn’t just coach-speak. McLean played a pivotal role in the development of Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison this past season. His energy, presence, and ability to connect have already made him a standout in a high-stakes environment.
“He is going to be a head coach sooner than any of us would imagine. And he’s going to crush it,” Pope added. “He’s been a real blessing to our entire staff and our entire team.”
Next season, McLean will work with an exciting and dynamic frontcourt group, including returning star Garrison, potential NBA lottery pick Jayden Quaintance, 6-11 European talent Andrija Jelavic, McDonald’s All-American Malachi Moreno, and former Alabama power forward Mouhamed Dioubate. It’s a frontcourt brimming with potential — and McLean will be the architect helping mold them into champions.
Born in the Bahamas and relocating to Texas at age 14 to chase basketball dreams, McLean has always been driven by opportunity. In addition to his duties at Kentucky, he also serves as an assistant coach for the Bahamas national team, a role that reflects his global perspective and growing coaching pedigree.
His new contract also includes performance-based bonuses. Last season, every UK assistant earned $20,000 for reaching the Sweet 16. Bonuses for deeper tournament runs and SEC titles remain intact — and if this rising coaching staff delivers, McLean could earn significantly more.
McLean isn’t the only coach being retained. Associate coach Mark Fox, who came aboard last spring on a one-year, $200,000 deal, is expected to stay with the team for the 2025-26 season, though an official contract extension hasn’t been announced. The rest of Pope’s core assistants — Alvin Brooks III, Cody Fueger, and Jason Hart — signed two-year deals last year. Brooks will earn $825,000 next season, with Fueger and Hart each making $525,000.
At the top, Pope is firmly entrenched through the 2028-29 season with an average annual salary of $5.5 million. But it’s clear that Pope’s vision for Kentucky basketball isn’t just about his own leadership — it’s about building a staff of elite minds and future head coaches.
With McLean staying put and the Wildcats reloading with one of the most talented rosters in the nation, Kentucky basketball is poised for a new era of dominance — and Mikhail McLean will be at the heart of it.
