Katie Couric -- NBC Mulling Over Her Return to 'Today'

Execs at "Today" are talking about filling a pregnant pause -- with Katie Couric ... TMZ has confirmed.

Co-host Savannah Guthrie is 5 months pregnant and headed for maternity leave ... we're told NBC honchos are seriously considering bringing Katie back while Savannah is on maternity leave.

The reasons -- Katie is still hugely identified with the "Today" brand, she gets along great with Matt Lauer and she's friends with Savannah.

The NY Post reported and we've confirmed ... it's just in the talking stages, but we're hearing it's being seriously considered.

As for Katie, sources say her exclusive deal with ABC is up mid-summer, so the timing would work out.