Craig Melvin will help lead NBC's "Today" into tomorrow. The NBC News stalwart, who has in recent years anchored and co-anchored hours on MSNBC and various parts of the venerable morning franchise, will step up to co-host the flagship 7 a.

Craig Melvin will become the new co-anchor of NBC’s Today, following the departure of Hoda Kotb in January. The announcement was made on this morning’s broadcast. Kotb’s final day on the show will be on Jan.

By selecting Mr. Melvin, a familiar face on the show, network executives chose to go the steadiest route possible.