There have been rumors that Jay Leno might not be leaving The Tonight Show in 2009 when his contract is up. The host has expressed interest in continuing on in television past 2009, and his ratings continue to go up, so there have been rumors circulating that NBC might back out of a deal it made with Conan O’Brien 3 years ago that guaranteed him the Tonight Show in ‘09 - even if backing out would cost them $40 million dollars.

NBC Universal CEO, Jeff Zucker put those rumors to rest today when he announced that not only was Conan going to take over in 2009 - but that Jimmy Fallon was on the short list to replace him on the Late Show.

Will an O’Brien/Fallon lead NBC late night dominate until the world ends in 2012? Who knows…

Leno is still planning to stay in television after 09, and may continue to host a Late Night show, possibly moving to another network.

via AICN