By Debbie Emery - Breaking Celebrity News Reporter

The finger of blame for the TODAY ratings crisis has been firmly pointed at Matt Lauer lately, but the morning anchor's big boss has now openly defended him and said he is not to blame for the recent numbers slump.

Executive producer Jim Bell went to bat for the long time host on Wednesday, when he admitted that: "We had to make some tough calls. We’re taking some shots. But that’s okay. We have the right team in place now. We’re just trying to move forward here," reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Despite the TODAY chief having to face serious criticism for the decision to replace Ann Curry with Savannah Guthrie – and subsequently ending their 16-year winning streak against Good Morning America in the ratings war – Bell said it isn't Lauer's fault and the damage to his image is regrettable.

"I think it’s really unfortunate how that played out. And obviously the transition didn’t go quite as we had hoped. And Matt, I ne