Former Utah Red Rocks gymnastics coach Tom Farden will be paid into 2025 after resigning from the program, according to a separation agreement obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune.
The University of Utah agreed to pay Farden $371,313 — equivalent to 17 months of work based on his contract — through April 30, 2025, according to the agreement obtained through a public records request.
Farden left the gymnastics program in November in the wake of allegations of verbally and emotionally abusing gymnasts and members of his staff for several years.
The U. hired an independent investigator, for which the university paid more than $150,000. Several former gymnasts came to his defense, while others quit the program. The investigation ended in Farden’s exoneration, and it appeared that he would continue his coaching.
Farden was then placed on administrative leave not long after the Washington Post published an article in which his lawyer, Brian C. Johnson, said he would not change his coaching methods and planned to take legal action against former gymnasts Kara Eaker and Kim Tessen, who went public with their allegations of abuse.
Farden was set to make $262,103 for the 2023-24 season, and $272,587 for the 2024-25 season, per his contract. His most recent contract would have ended after the 2025-26 season.
The university will also continue paying for Farden’s health insurance and retirement benefits through April 2025 or until he finds another job.
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