Youngest Coach on Mark Pope’s Staff Secures New Deal with Wildcats…read more.
Mikhail McLean, the youngest member of Mark Pope’s Kentucky basketball coaching staff, has secured his future in Lexington by signing a new contract that will keep him with the Wildcats through the 2026-27 season.
McLean, 33, was the final addition to Pope’s first UK staff last spring. A former standout player at the University of Houston, McLean built his coaching resume working for years under Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson in various support roles. He later moved on to an assistant coaching position at Lamar University before Pope brought him to Kentucky on a one-year deal.
According to a copy of the contract obtained by the *Herald-Leader*, McLean will earn $400,000 for the 2025-26 season and $425,000 for the 2026-27 season. This marks a significant jump from his initial salary at Kentucky, which was $150,000 plus performance bonuses. The pay increase reflects both his value to the program and the trust Pope has placed in his young assistant.
McLean has been credited with helping to boost player development and recruiting efforts, particularly by bringing a fresh perspective to the staff and connecting well with younger athletes.
With this new deal, Kentucky is signaling its commitment to maintaining stability on the coaching bench as the Wildcats aim to rebuild under Pope’s leadership. Fans will be watching closely to see how McLean and the rest of the staff shape the team’s success over the next few seasons.
