Is Matt Lauer Also Leaving the Today Show?

Just one day after news of  Meredith Vieira's possible departure from Today, Entertainment Tonight reports that her co-anchor Matt Lauer plans to exit the morning show as well.

According to the report, the 53-year-old journalist has already told his bosses at NBC that he will leave once his contract is up. While Vieira's current deal expires in September, however, Lauer's contract goes through Dec. 31, 2012. So what's the rush to make a decision now?

Who should replace Meredith Vieira on Today?

"There seems to be an awful lot of speculation around news anchors these days, and it's not our practice to comment on any of it," NBC said in a statement Wednesday. "Matt Lauer has a long term contract with NBC News and Today."

Lauer has been with the Today show since 1997, working alongside both Katie Couric and Vieira. Vieira is reportedly considering leaving because of the demands of the early morning hours. The news also comes amid recent speculation that Couric will leave her position at the CBS Evening News.