Matt Lauer might be on the ropes, but at least he's got the right man in his corner.

Namely, TODAY show executive producer Don Nash, who tells TV Guide that NBC's morning program, reeling after months of defeat at the hands of Good Morning America, "could be much worse without" the beleaguered host.

Nash said there have been misconceptions that Lauer's tarnished image is hurting the show's bottom line, citing a recent focus group of female morning show viewers who said they'd quit watching NBC's morning show if the 55-year-old anchor left.

"Their opinions didn't square with what we had been reading in the papers and on websites," Nash said.

Nash denied that the TODAY show workforce has turned against its' biggest name, saying, "I can tell you unequivocally that the staff is not divided over whether Matt should stay or go -- this staff loves Matt."

Nash took a diplomatic approach when asked about rumors Anderson