Kathy DeBoer, one of the finalists for the Kansas University athletic director’s job last year, has been fired by new Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart.

DeBoer, who was UK’s senior associate AD, was let go this week along with marketing director Kyle Moats. She had been a finalist for the KU vacancy that was filled by Al Bohl.

Barnhart, who came from Oregon State, fired DeBoer and Moats after less than 10 days on the job. He said he planned to restructure the department by adding five new positions.

DeBoer was philosophical about her firing.

“He didn’t fire Kathy DeBoer because he doesn’t even know me,” said DeBoer. “He needs to put together a structure that gives him the best chance to succeed. And he’s absolutely right about that decision. So I’m not taking it personally. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad.”