Rising Kentucky Basketball Assistant Coach Mikhail McLean Signs Contract Extension
The youngest member of Kentucky head coach Mark Pope’s basketball staff is officially staying put. Assistant coach Mikhail McLean, who joined the Wildcats in 2024, has agreed to a new deal that will keep him in Lexington through the 2026-27 season.
Previously hired on a one-year contract, McLean has quickly proven his value. The 33-year-old will now earn $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 the following year, a significant jump from his original $150,000 salary, which also included performance-based bonuses. This extension reflects both McLean’s impact and the confidence the program has in his future.
McLean’s path to Kentucky was unique — a former standout forward at the University of Houston, he served in a variety of roles under coach Kelvin Sampson before becoming an assistant at Lamar University. Pope, who had no prior connection with McLean, added him as the final piece to his coaching staff last spring.
Despite their new partnership, Pope has spoken glowingly of McLean’s contributions.
“He’s a future star in this profession,” Pope said. “His potential is through the roof. He’s brought so much to our team.”
Last season, McLean worked primarily with Kentucky’s big men — including Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison — and was praised for his hands-on approach in developing players both on and off the court.
“He’s constantly in film sessions, teaching on the floor, and mentoring in everyday life,” Pope added. “He’s not just a coach — he’s a huge asset to this program.”
Next season, McLean will help mentor a talented frontcourt group that features returning center Brandon Garrison, projected lottery pick Jayden Quaintance, 6-foot-11 international player Andrija Jelavic, McDonald’s All-American Malachi Moreno, and former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate.
Originally from the Bahamas, McLean moved to Texas at age 14 to pursue his basketball dreams. In addition to his duties at UK, he also serves as an assistant coach for the Bahamas national team.
His new contract retains bonus opportunities tied to the team’s performance, such as $20,000 for a Sweet 16 appearance, increasing to $30,000 for the Elite Eight, $50,000 for the Final Four, and $100,000 if Kentucky wins a national title. Bonuses also remain in place for SEC titles — $30,000 for the regular season and $20,000 for the tournament.
Meanwhile, associate coach Mark Fox, who also joined on a one-year deal last year, is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, though details of his new agreement have not been released.
The rest of Pope’s coaching staff — Alvin Brooks III, Cody Fueger, and Jason Hart — each signed two-year deals last spring. Brooks will earn $825,000, while Fueger and Hart will each make $525,000 next season.
Mark Pope himself is under contract through the 2028-29 season, and Kentucky’s incoming players are set to arrive on campus in early June to begin preparations for the upcoming year.
