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Sources: Fmr. Sen. Dan Coats Leading Contender for Dir. of National Intelligence

Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats is the leading candidate for Director of National Intelligence in Donald Trump's incoming administration, multiple sources familiar with the discussions tell NBC News.
Image: Senate GOP And Democrats Hold Weekly Policy Luncheons
Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN) (C) talks with reporters before heading into the weekly GOP policy luncheon at the U.S. Captiol February 3, 2015 in Washington, DC. Congress is heading for a showdown with the White House as they threaten to cut off funding for the Homeland Security Department in reaction to President Barack Obama's immigration plan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
By Hans Nichols, Hallie Jackson and Kristen Welker

Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats is the leading candidate to serve as Director of National Intelligence in Donald Trump's incoming administration, multiple sources familiar with the discussions tell NBC News.

Coats met with Donald Trump at the end of November at Trump Tower. The former senator told reporters at the time that he was "not seeking a specific position" but went to offer advice, according to the Indianapolis star.

Coats served eight years in the House of Represenatives and two terms in the Senate. He also served as U.S. ambassador to Germany under President George W. Bush.

Coats announced in March 2015 that he would retire from the Senate when his term ended at the start of this year.

Hans Nichols

Hans Nichols is an NBC News correspondent. 

Hallie Jackson

Hallie Jackson is senior Washington correspondent for NBC News.

Kristen Welker

Kristen Welker is the moderator of "Meet the Press."