Lauer to replace 'Jeopardy!' host Trebek?

CHICAGO, March 16 (UPI) -- Matt Lauer and Anderson Cooper are among the names in contention to replace Alex Trebek as host of "Jeopardy!" when he retires, the New York Post reported.

Trebek's current three-year contract expires in 2016 when he'll be 76, meaning his time as host of "Jeopardy!" is likely coming to an end, the Chicago Tribune said.

Lauer, host of the "Today" show, could take the opportunity to reinvent himself after recent less-than favorable reports about his position at NBC, the Post said.

In addition to Cooper, a CNN anchor, "NBC Nightly News" host Brian Williams and NBC Sports' Dan Patrick are under consideration to succeed Trebek, the entertainment news website Deadline reported.

Trebek has been the host of "Jeopardy!" since 1984.