Ryan Seacrest to Replace Matt Lauer on ‘TODAY’?

Word has been swirling about possible replacements for Matt Lauer after it was revealed that he may leave The Today Show after his contract expires in December 2012. No surprise there following the departure of Meredith Vieira earlier this year, but who might be next in line to replace Lauer during the morning NBC telecast? Reread the title. That’s right. The American Idol host himself is reportedly in talks with NBC as a possible replacement should Lauer opt out. Reports of the Seacrest-NBC meetings were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

We should note that these meetings are preliminary in nature and may or may not be followed through, but one wonders if Seacrest has room for one more hosting gig or if he’ll be planning on leaving one gig for another after 2012.

Lauer has been a staple on The Today Show, filling the co-anchor chair since 1997; but with the likes of Katie Couric and Vieira stepping away from the table, is Lauer far behind?

Seacrest currently hosts and produces a number of specials and news programs on E! (an NBCUniversal network), as well as radio countdown show American Top 40 and of course American Idol. Seacrest has been in talks to enhance his affiliation with NBCUniversal and this move might be the enhancement many are looking for. Spokespeople for Seacrest, NBC, Lauer and the Today Show have been keeping quiet so far.

So what do you think? Would you like to see Ryan Seacrest at the head table of NBC’s morning show or do you want to see another replacement for Lauer? Should Lauer even leave? Sound off below!