'Today': Matt Lauer re-ups with morning show

Despite rumblings that Matt Lauer was considering other options, the New York Times is reporting that the long-time host of "Today" has signed a multi-year contract extension to stay with the morning show.

"Matt is the franchise, and our franchise player has decided to keep leading our team," Steve Capus, head of NBC News, tells the Times. "We're just thrilled to have his considerable skills for many more years."

The news will be formally announced during the "Today" broadcast on Friday (April 6).

Lauer's contract extension was a priority for NBC brass, a topic that network president Bob Greenblatt discussed at the Television Critics Association Winter press tour in Jan. 2012.

Greenblatt says at the time, "The number one priority is [keeping] Matt on the 'Today' show"

There had been rumors that Lauer was considering numerous other options outside of the top-rated morning show. Such possibilities included signing up with "60 Minutes" or even working with his former "Today" co-host Katie Couric on her syndicated talk show.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.