Legendary University of Louisville Sports Information Director Kenny Klein has passed away, Klein succumbed to his illness on Thursday, June 25, at the age of 66.
Kenny Klein was the epitome of the Sports Information Director role.
For over four decades, Klein served as a college administrator, 39 of those years with the University of Louisville.
He joined the campus in 1983, at just 23, making him the youngest SID at an NCAA Division-I football program.
Before UofL, Klein spent two seasons as SID at Morehead State, following his graduation from Murray State in 1981.
At UofL, he was a legend. Inducted into two halls of fame, the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame two years later.
He received the 2012 Katha Quinn Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association for exceptional service to media covering college basketball.
But Klein’s influence extended far beyond UofL.
Today, sadly, we are saying goodbye to Kenny Klein. For decades, Kenny served UofL Athletics with pride and helped shaped the program and the university. He made an undeniable difference and will be missed. Britainy and I are praying for his family.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) June 26, 2026
He meticulously coordinated computerized statistics for 36 NCAA Final Fours, leaving an indelible mark on collegiate sports.
His influence extended far beyond the Final Fours.
Klein served as the local media center committee chairman for three PGA Championships at Valhalla, the three Senior PGA Championships at the course, and the 2008 Ryder Cup. He supported media operations at the 1999 Ryder Cup in Boston as well.
Klein stepped down from his role at UofL in 2022 but continued to lend his expertise during Kenny Payne’s inaugural year as head coach.
The next year, former UofL head coach Rick Pitino lured Klein to New York, where he became a special advisor for St. John’s athletics.
He held this position until his untimely death.
UofL officials confirmed to WAVE that Klein had been hospitalized on Thursday, June 11, grappling with a “very serious medical situation.”
Klein succumbed to his illness on Thursday, June 25, at the age of 66.
A native of Southside, Tennessee, Klein is survived by his wife, Donna Graham, and his two sons, Alex and Brady.
Governor Andy Beshear paid tribute to Klein on X, while Mayor Craig Greenberg added his voice to the chorus of praise, highlighting Klein’s kind and genuine nature. He noted that Klein’s legacy would forever be intertwined with the history of the Cardinals and would continue to resonate in the lives he touched. Rachel Greenberg and Mayor Greenberg extended their condolences to Klein’s family, friends, and the entire UofL community.