Kentucky Basketball’s Rising Star Mikhail McLean Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension
LEXINGTON, KY – Kentucky Wildcats basketball has secured the future of one of its key coaching figures. Assistant coach Mikhail McLean, a rising star in the coaching world, has signed a new contract extending his tenure in Lexington through the 2026-27 season. The news confirms the Wildcats’ commitment to retaining a highly valued member of Coach Mark Pope’s staff.
McLean, only 33, joined the Wildcats last spring as the final addition to Pope’s inaugural coaching staff, initially signing a one-year deal. His impressive performance during the 2024-25 season quickly garnered attention, earning him widespread praise from Coach Pope and solidifying his position as a valuable asset.
The new contract, obtained by the Herald-Leader, details McLean’s compensation: $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 for the 2026-27 season. This substantial increase from his initial $150,000 salary (plus bonuses) reflects his rapid growth and the significant contribution he made during his first season.
Coach Pope has been effusive in his praise for McLean, predicting a bright future for the young coach. “Mikhail is going to be a star in this business. He’s going to be a star,” Pope stated during a press conference late last season. “He’s got a really high ceiling. He’s meant so much to us.”
McLean’s impact extends beyond the court. His work with Kentucky’s post players—Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison last season—has earned him significant recognition. His coaching style, marked by a combination of insightful film analysis, on-court instruction, and focused personal mentorship, has proven highly effective.
“Coach McLean has been with those guys every step of the way, kind of mentoring and tutoring and teaching and growing them,” Pope explained, referring to McLean’s work with the Wildcats’ centers. “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.”
McLean’s background includes a stint as a player at Houston, followed by several years contributing to coach Kelvin Sampson’s support staff. He later served as an assistant coach at Lamar University before joining Kentucky. His extensive experience on various levels of the basketball ecosystem has positioned him as a ready-made asset for Kentucky’s program.
The contract extension secures a significant advantage for the Wildcats. By retaining McLean’s expertise, Kentucky solidifies its coaching staff and avoids losing a rising star to other programs. This commitment will undeniably aid the team in maintaining on-court excellence and continuing its growth during future seasons. The Wildcats’ securing of McLean’s services reflects their understanding of the significance of having a highly skilled and dedicated coach as part of their future plans.
