November 7, 2025
From speed dial to swaddle squad
Leaving Meta and PyTorch
PyTorch’s captain exits; fans split between respect, baby memes, and JAX cheers
TLDR: PyTorch’s longtime leader is leaving Meta to try a new, smaller venture, while assuring the project’s stability with a seasoned team. Comments swing from warm baby-break advice to a JAX-versus-PyTorch rivalry, with fans praising PyTorch’s simplicity and debating whether a new era is about to start.
After 11 years at Meta and nearly eight steering PyTorch—the tool powering today’s biggest AI models—the project’s frontman bows out to chase “something small.” The internet reacted with a mix of awe and emojis. One camp went full wholesome: “turn off all your devices… stare at your new baby,” while others fixated on the jaw-drop line about giving up “speed dial” power. The vibe: bittersweet respect, with a side of “curiosity won.”
Then came the rivalry energy. A loyal JAX user strolled in like a sports commentator, declaring TensorFlow 1 “fumbled the ball at 10th yard line,” and hoping JAX can finally catch up to PyTorch. That football meme became the day’s banner, as PyTorch fans countered with love letters to its “it just works” elegance. The big anxiety—“Is PyTorch going to be okay?”—met a calm clapback: a named bench of leaders (Greg, Alban, Ed, Jason, Joe, Suo, John, Jana) are in charge, with a 2025 roadmap. Meanwhile, everyone latched onto the line “make AI delicious,” turning it into snack-emoji jokes, plus the instant classic quip: from speed dial to diaper duty. Net-net: respect, nostalgia, a little chaos, and popcorn for whatever comes next.
Key Points
- •A senior Meta engineer is leaving after 11 years, following nearly eight years leading PyTorch.
- •PyTorch now supports exascale training, powers foundation models, and is widely used in production and education.
- •The author planned the transition starting last November and assessed by August that the team was ready.
- •He expresses strong confidence in PyTorch’s resilience, citing named leaders and a coherent 2025 product lineup.
- •He will remain involved informally while pursuing a small, new venture outside Meta and avoids long-term attachment to a single project.