After Mitch Barnhart’s lengthy run as Kentucky’s athletic director officially came to a close last month, all eyes across the Big Blue Nation shifted toward his successor-in-waiting: J Batt or, as some have taken to calling him, “The Battman.” Upon departing Michigan State, Batt described his new post in Lexington as a “destination job,” making it clear that he intends to stick around for the long haul.
Still, given the convoluted landscape of today’s college sports, it was probably naive to think this hire would go off without any curveballs. When the Spartans threw things into flux by keeping university president Kevin Guskiewicz onboard despite his previously announced exit, plenty of folks started worrying that this development might foreshadow similar complications for Batt’s move to Kentucky.
Batt’s contract originally carried a $5 million buyout clause prior to Guskiewicz’s reversal; with the president now back in place, it’s easy to see why those in the blue-and-white camp grew anxious that matters could get messy.
Fortunately, though, that fear appears completely unfounded. Kentucky’s own president, Eli Capilouto, stepped in personally to reassure the Big Blue faithful via social media.
Per Capilouto, Batt has “reaffirmed his dedication to UK and his eagerness to become part of the Big Blue Nation as quickly as possible.” He also noted that the university is moving swiftly to lock down Batt’s official start date and help him and his family settle into the Lexington community.
On top of that, Michigan State doesn’t even seem interested in trying to lure him back anyway.
So take a breath, Cats fans. Had Batt pulled a sudden about-face, his scheduled appearance on BBN Tonight would’ve gone down as painfully awkward television but beyond that narrow escape, Kentucky would’ve missed out on what looks like an ideal hire.
Batt as the Remedy
Barnhart certainly delivered his share of highlights during his Kentucky tenure after all, for all of John Calipari’s shortcomings, it was Barnhart who brought him in and thus helped deliver a national championship to Lexington in 2012. That single accomplishment alone earns him a gold star.
But as his time wore on, a restless BBN along with plenty of Kentuckians beyond grew increasingly frustrated with Barnhart’s proposed post-director role, which would’ve paid him generously to take on significantly less responsibility than his current position entailed.
Batt, by contrast, looks far better equipped to handle college athletics as they exist in the present day. He’s built a reputation for financial savvy, and at just 44 years old, he still has ample room to evolve alongside the ever-changing collegiate sports environment.
He’s already ahead of the curve on NIL matters and carries a track record of durable, rock-solid hires (just look at Nate Oats at Alabama). He represents the cure for Kentucky’s recent struggles in this very role, and Wildcats across all sports stand to gain from his arrival.
Why the Spartans weren’t interested in bringing him back? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. But from where I’m sitting, all signs point to a man who’s right for this job both now and well into the future and as far as I’m concerned, Sparty can keep that mystery to himself.
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