Savannah Guthrie hints at exit from Today show after Hoda Kotb’s shock departure announcement

Savannah Guthrie has hinted that her tenure on the Today show may be coming to an end following Hoda Kotb’s announcement that she will be leaving the morning show.

While discussing Hoda’s departure at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, Savannah noted: American weekly“We are good friends and we have a lot of similarities.”

She added, “We’re actually at the same stage of life,” which many interpreted as a subtle reference to her own possible departure.

This speculation comes after Hoda stunned viewers with her surprise announcement in September, stating that turning 60 had been a “monumental moment” that pushed her to “try something new” after 17 years leading the flagship show.

Additionally, sources have told DailyMail.com that Today producers are actively trying to convince Savannah to stay as they want to avoid “everything being overhauled” during this transition period.

While discussing Hoda’s departure at Project Healthy Minds’ second annual World Mental Health Day Gala on Friday, Savannah told US Weekly, “We are dear friends and we have many similarities” (2018 photo)

“Savannah’s contract expires next year and they want to keep her and will do everything they can to continue their relationship with Savannah so they don’t jeopardize everything,” the source explains.

“The replacement will come from people who are already there, instead of paying an outsider tons of money to join Savannah.”

Savannah reportedly signed a $7 million per year contract with Today, which was increased to $8 million and then again to an undisclosed amount in 2020 after bosses were impressed with her moderation of a town hall with President Trump.

Hoda — who reportedly makes an estimated $8 million a year from the show — not only serves as one of the main hosts alongside Savannah, but also cohosts her own segment with Jenna Bush Hager, called Today with Hoda and Jenna.

The insider noted that the final decision on replacements will ultimately be up to the viewing audience, depending on which presenter the audience is more drawn to.

“Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett are both at the top of the list for heir apparent at the moment,” the source continued.

“NBC wants to put one of their own in Hoda’s position; the one the audience is most drawn to will be the most likely replacement.

‘The presenters would all love the chance to take Hoda’s place, Sheinelle Jones would be interested, but honestly everyone is in favor of Laura or Craig.’

“We’re actually at the same stage of life,” which many interpreted as a subtle reference to her own possible departure

Additionally, sources have told DailyMail.com that Today producers are actively trying to convince Savannah to stay as they want to avoid “everything being overhauled” during this transition period.

The insider added that bosses are willing to wait as long as necessary to make an official announcement and added that Hoda’s replacement on Today with Hoda and Jenna is more open.

“There’s more wiggle room with Jenna and who will join her after Hoda leaves,” she said.

“It can be a revolving door until someone sticks around. The task of getting to Jenna will be a work in progress and could be anyone at this point.”

Craig, 45, first joined MSNBC in 2011 as a daytime anchor, and in his first year covered a slew of events, including the Republican and Democratic national conventions and election night.

He began cohosting Today’s Third Hour in 2018, and shortly after news broke that Hoda would be leaving, fans called for him to replace her.

Before her job at Today, 40-year-old Laura — the daughter of former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett — worked at CNN, where she co-hosted the show Early Start, which has since been renamed CNN This Morning.

She joined NBC in 2022 and is best known for breaking news of former President Donald Trump’s guilty plea on falsifying corporate records in May.

Hoda was motivated to step down by her two young daughters, but her struggle to find the same chemistry with Jenna as she did with former cohost Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, was also a driving factor.

The TV icon also wrote a letter explaining her “painful” decision to her colleagues, going on to explain that celebrating her 60th birthday brought about a seismic “change” in her life.

Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett are already clear favorites for the job, the source said

Insiders explained that producers are keen to avoid losing another big name from the popular morning show, as Savannah prepares to begin contract renewal talks.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” Hoda said. ‘I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision. And you are all the reason why. They say two things can be good at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.

“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you stood by my side during this twenty-six year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven by seven, sixteen by ten.”

She continued, “I imagine your faces and your families and all the ways you have lifted and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. Many of my professional relationships have grown into some of my most cherished friendships.”

She then paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ride-or-die Jenna Bush Hager, claiming she will “desperately” miss everyone she worked with on the hit morning show.