"Today" executive producer Don Nash spoke out about the Matt Lauer situation, saying the staff of the NBC morning show isn’t divided on whether Lauer should stay. Nash told TV Guide, "This staff loves Matt."

Nash also relayed feedback from a focus group of female morning-show viewers in which the viewers were asked what might make them stop watching “Today.” Said Nash: "Every one of them said, ‘If Matt Lauer were to leave.’ Their opinions didn’t square with what we had been reading in the papers and on websites."

Nash added that he thinks the show’s ratings "could be much worse without him."

Nash’s comments reflect other comments from NBC executives about Lauer’s job being secure, although there are reports that the network has reached out to possible replacements, including CNN anchor Anderson Cooper. Lauer’s contract ends in 2014.

"We hope Matt stays forever," Nash said, "but you’re always looking for talent because you want the person to grow into the job and you want some time to groom them."