Did NBC Approach Anderson Cooper to Replace Matt Lauer on Today?

With Matt Lauer facing growing backlash over his role in Ann Curry's exit from the Today show, speculation has grown about whether NBC is looking for someone to replace him. A report Tuesday said CNN's Anderson Cooper had been approached about the morning show gig.

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NBC executives confirmed that Cooper had been contacted, but tell The Hollywood Reporter it was not in regard to replacing Lauer. NBC conducts "exploratory talks with talent inside and outside of the network. But to read anything specific into that is presumptuous," an executive told THR.

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And NBC News Senior VP Alexandra Wallace added: "As we've said before, Matt Lauer is the best in the business. We want him in the Today show anchor chair for many years to come," according to THR.

Lauer negotiated a new $25 million contract with NBC last year that is good through 2015. Sources close to Cooper tell THR he has no interest in the Today show job.