( EW.com ) -- Hoda Kotb is exploring her career options . EW has learned exclusively that the `` Today '' co-host is quietly meeting with studios and pitching herself for new hosting gigs , such as a daytime talk show . The moves could signal an upcoming exit from the NBC position that she 's held since 2007 , or simply represent a savvy negotiation tactic â€ ” Kotb 's contract with `` Today '' expires this fall . A source close to Kotb downplayed the odds of a fourth-hour shakeup and denied the co-host wants a new series : `` Hoda loves her job at the Today show and adores everyone she works with on the show . Her contract is coming up and she 's just expanding relationships and having coffee with a few people . '' Conan O'Brien congratulates Jimmy Fallon . Given all the `` Today '' rumors , one certainly ca n't blame Kotb for wanting to keep her options open . Most reports have centered on anchor Matt Lauer , with a recent report claiming CNN 's Anderson Cooper was approached about taking over his slot . NBC has denied that Lauer is leaving the show . David Letterman addresses Jay Leno exit . Kotb and her fourth-hour co-host Kathie Lee Gifford have been the target of media speculation as well . Gifford has reportedly pushed to move the hour to Los Angeles to be closer to her kids , resulting in `` tension '' between the hosts . The show recently shot two weeks in L.A. , but the co-hosts have dismissed the idea of a permanent relocation on the air . Earlier today , Kotb , who is also an NBC News correspondent , and Gifford taped an episode celebrating their fifth anniversary of working together . The episode airs Friday . `` Today '' had no comment . See the original article at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved .
`` Today '' co-host Hoda Kotb is quietly pitching herself for new hosting gigs . Kotb 's contract with `` Today '' expires this fall . A source close to Kotb downplayed the odds of a fourth-hour shakeup .