Reports: Lauer, Vieira both stepping down

The report not only caught NBC flat-footed, but also the rest of the TV news industry already digesting off-the-record confirmation from the network that Vieira will leave the show by this fall. Vieira's departure has been expected -- she is known to be weary of the early morning grind, and wants to spend more time with her husband, Richard Cohen, who is ailing from multiple sclerosis.

Nevertheless, the story of Lauer's future may well lie in another figure -- 15, or the number of years he will have co-anchored "Today" by the end of 2012. His close friend and former colleague, Bryant Gumbel, was also co-anchor for 15 years. Couric was anchor for 15 years before joining "CBS Evening News" in 2006.

Is there some sort of magic to 15 years? On this show, yes. The hours are particularly daunting, with anchors rising at 2 a.m. and often working full days that don't end until 6 p.m. or later. Couric cited lifestyle as a reason for leaving when she did. So did Gumbel.

Yeah, but for how long?

Who could replace Matt and Meredith?

Goodbye, Meredith and maybe Matt, too. Now . . . who's next? There are good candidates to replace both, and they're already at NBC.

DAVID GREGORY

WILLIE GEIST

Has been a solid "Today" stand-in.

AL ROKER

Beloved veteran; has done serious work with his production company.

ANN CURRY

Worked hard to build her news creds.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE

Highly polished "Today" anchor stand-in.

ERIN BURNETT

Her style is very well-suited to "Today."

-- VERNE GAY