Not surprisingly, NBC executives are flat out denying that the future of  highly-paid TODAY co-host Matt Lauer is in jeopardy at the fledging morning show,  as rumors continue to swirl that the Peacock Network is courting CNN darling Anderson Cooper to take Lauer’s job.

"Matt Lauer is the best in the business. We want him in the 'Today' show anchor chair for many years to come," TODAY’S Executive Producer Alexander Wallace said in a statement Wednesday in an effort to control the ongoing