A longtime major figure of NBC and MSNBC’s political coverage, Mr. Todd became less omnipresent in recent years.

"I am leaving a bit earlier, frankly, than we had all originally planned," the longtime host told his colleagues in a memo.

Former “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd is leaving NBC News after nearly 18 years at the network. Todd said in a memo to NBC News colleagues that Friday was his last day. He’ll continue doing his podcast and said he’s considering new projects, but offered no details.