Weeks of complex negotiations between Williams and NBC are not yet complete, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

There are any number of possible outcomes. Several of the sources said Williams could end up leaving NBC altogether following a financial settlement.

But another possibility, and the one advanced in recent discussions, involves a new role for Williams.

Andy Lack, the chairman of NBC News, has been a proponent of this outcome.

"Andy's contorting to figure out a way to keep Brian," one of the sources said.

One of the sources described employee meetings where Lack asked attendees to "think creatively" about a new role for Williams.