Today show co-host Matt Lauer, who has been blamed for the departure of former co-host Ann Curry, could be replaced by CNN's Anderson Cooper by the end of the year.

According to Deadline Hollywood, NBC reached out to Cooper before reaching out to Lauer to "get his blessing." However, Lauer then reached out to Cooper to tell him he disapproved of the motion, which surprised Cooper because he thought NBC told Lauer about the move already.

Also reportedly considered by NBC to take over for Lauer have been current Today co-host Willie Geist, Meet The Press host David Gregory and Ryan Seacrest. Lauer, Cooper, Brian Williams and Dan Patrick have also been rumored to take over Jeopardy! after host Alex Trebek decides to retire.

Rumors involving Lauer's move to ABC were reported by New York Magazine, explaining that he was going to join the network last year to link up with former Today co-host Katie Couric.

The rumors that Seacrest was going to replace Lauer came about in 2011, which was before Ann Curry left the show in June 2012. The report by New York Magazine explains that Lauer made a last minute decision to stay with NBC as he was in the works to go to ABC.