Report: Matt Lauer, Anderson Cooper among possible ‘Jeopardy’ hosts

Matt Lauer may be a smiling, comforting face on NBC’s “Today” in the mornings, but according to a recent report, he may be in contention to reinvent himself as the new host of “Jeopardy.”

Alex Trebek’s three-decade run as host of the game show will likely be coming to an end in 2016; he signed a three-year contract last year and will be 76 when it expires. And the search is already underway for the person to fill the second most desired position in all of TV. (The most desired position is, of course, control of the Iron Throne on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”)

A report in the New York Post revealed that Lauer, the once-beloved but now somewhat reviled “Today” host, was one of the top candidates. And his contract with NBC is up in 2015. Which gives him plenty of time to make the cross-country move and work on his tan.

Among the other candidates reportedly being discussed are CNN’s Anderson Cooper and, as reported by Deadline, “NBC Nightly News’” Brian Williams and NBC Sports’ Dan Patrick.

While the search is in its preliminary phases, deciding who will be providing the “Jeopardy” answers (the contestants provide the questions, you know) will be a most important decision. Trebek has been host since 1984 and has managed to be one of the most stable, commanding presences on TV. That’s despite his two heart attacks and chasing a burgler down the hall of his San Francisco hotel room in his underwear in 2011.

Top that, Matt Lauer.

ALSO:

‘Price Is Right’ discrimination verdict tossed; new trial ordered

Matt Lauer jokes about image problems at NBCU News upfront

‘Veronica Mars’ film a go, thanks to a kick from Kickstarter

PHOTOS, VIDEOS & MORE:

PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of ‘Downton Abbey’