Veteran NBC host and news anchor Craig Melvin has been tapped to replace Hoda Kotb as co-host of the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. hours of ''Today.''

I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said, thanking “NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy.” He begins as co-host in January.

Staffers chanted, “Craig, Craig, Craig!” at a staff meeting when Savannah Guthrie welcomed them to the “Craig era!”