Coinbase Cuts 14% of Workforce in AI-Driven Restructuring, Flattening Org to Five Layers

Coinbase eliminated approximately 700 jobs (14% of its 4,951-person workforce) and restructured into flattened 'AI-native pods' as CEO Brian Armstrong cited the need to 'optimize operations for the AI era.' The company will flatten its org chart to no more than five layers below CEO/COO, adopt a 'player-coach' model where every leader carries an individual contributor role, and create cross-functional AI-native pods including experimental one-person teams combining engineering, design, and product. Armstrong previously fired engineers who refused to adopt GitHub Copilot and Cursor tools and set a target of 50% AI-written code at Coinbase. Restructuring costs will reach up to $60 million in severance. Departing US employees receive a minimum of 16 weeks base pay plus 2 weeks per year of service, next equity vest, and 6 months COBRA.