Matt Lauer has issued an apology since being fired fro “Today.” (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Matt Lauer’s immediate termination from the “Today Show” Wednesday over sexual assault allegations means the search is on for his replacement. While Hoda Kotb has been filling his co-anchor chair for the 7 a.m. — 9 a.m. hours, NBC News has yet to announce who they’re considering permanently.
So here are 5 people who could take over the role Lauer occupied for 20 years.
Tamron Hall continues to host a program on Investigation Discovery. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival)
Tamron Hall
As NBC announced it would be adding Megyn Kelly to the “Today Show,” Hall declined to renew her contract with the network, reportedly turning down a multi-million dollar deal. She’s since moved on and is gearing up to host her own talk show from The Weinstein Company.
Ann Curry
In 2012, Curry tearfully said goodbye to “Today” after the network pushed her out. In the years since, fans have regularly pleaded for her return. With Curry set to host the PBS docu-series “We’ll Meet Again” in 2018, it’s not clear if her schedule would permit her return.
(Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Museum of the Moving Image )
Lester Holt
Current host of “NBC Nightly News,” Holt has also contributed to the “Today” show and has anchored “Weekend Today” for 12 years. If the “Today” show is looking for an NBC News veteran to take on Lauer’s role, Holt would be a good fit.
Craig Melvin
“Today” contributor Melvin has been one of the reporters folks have been naming as a potential replacement for Lauer. He also fills in for Lester Holt on “Weekend Today,” so he’s certainly no stranger to the program. With “MSNBC Live” occupying his Saturdays, he seems to have the time to take over Lauer’s spot.
(Slaven Vlasic/WireImage)
Hoda Kotb
Kotb has been co-anchoring alongside Savannah Guthrie throughout the week since Lauer’s firing so she could take on the job full time. Since 2008, she’s been hosting the fourth hour of the “Today Show” with Kathie Lee Gifford and has served as a “Dateline NBC” correspondent since 1998.
