Tom Farden is no longer the Utah gymnastics coach following allegations of abuse made by two former athletes.
A university statement issued Tuesday night said the parties “mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”
The decision followed an investigation into claims made last month by former gymnasts Kara Eaker and Kim Tessen.
“The past several months have been an extremely challenging time for our gymnastics program,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a news release. “Changes like this are never easy, and only come after extensive analysis and discussion. In this case, the decision provides necessary clarity and stability for our student-athletes and prevents further distraction from their upcoming season.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous contributions Tom has made both as an assistant and head coach for the Red Rocks, and the significant accomplishments of the program in which he has played a key role. I am grateful that Carly Dockendorf has stepped in as the interim head coach of our gymnastics program, and I am confident that she will provide tremendous leadership for the student-athletes as they strive to reach their championship goals this season.”
Farden was an assistant coach for the Utes from 2010-15 before being elevated to co-head coach from 2015-19. He has been Utah’s sole head coach since 2020.
Farden, who was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 12, issued his own statement.
“I am grateful to the University of Utah for the privilege of coaching its storied gymnastics program. The University of Utah has been my home for a decade, and it is difficult to say goodbye, but the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter,” he said.
“I am immensely proud of the young women who have poured their hearts and souls into Utah gymnastics during my time here and who have brought so much to this community. It has truly been an honor to coach them, and I extend my heartfelt thanks and wishes for their continued success, now and in the years to come.”
Eaker posted on Instagram that she was “a victim of verbal and emotional abuse” that led to “suicidal and self-harm ideation” as well as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, insomnia and night terrors.
Tessen described an “abusive and toxic environment” within the program.
“I was verbally attacked without any signs of sympathy several times,” Tessen posted. “My physical boundaries were also violated several times because these aggressive interactions would often occur with him yelling and pointing uncomfortably close at my face.”
Farden’s attorney, Brian C. Johnson, recently told The Washington Post that the allegations were “false statements of fact.”
Associate head coach Carly Dockendorf was named interim head coach earlier this month. Utah’s 2024 season begins Jan. 5 against Boise State.
–Field Level Media
