Kentucky assistant Mikhail McLean rewarded with new contract through 2026-27

Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean has earned a new contract through the 2026-27 season.

According to Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader, will receive $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 for the 2026-27 season.

Here is an excerpt from the Herald-Leader report about the new deal:

According to a copy of the contract obtained by the Herald-Leader, the 33-year-old assistant will receive $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 for the 2026-27 season. He came to UK last spring with a salary of $150,000, plus performance bonuses.

Pope, who had no previous relationship with McLean before hiring him to round out his 2024-25 staff, has been effusive in his praise for the young coach over the past year.

“Mikhail is going to be a star in this business. He’s going to be a star,” Pope said late in the season. “You talk about high ceilings. He’s got a really high ceiling. He’s meant so much to us.”