As Bears prepare to make their crucial quarterback decision, Matt Eberflus is ready to rely on Shane Waldron

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) — In searching for a new offensive coordinator, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus leaned on a key recommendation.

It came from future Hall of Fame head coach Pete Carroll, whose tenure leading the Seahawks ended in January and left offensive coordinator Shane Waldron available for hire. Eberflus sought out from Carroll what had made Waldron successful at developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career.

“He just gleamed about Shane and talked about him at length, about his ability to adapt and adjust and what he did with the quarterbacks that were there in Seattle,” Eberflus said Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “So, I was very comfortable moving forward with Shane in that. It’s really about his track record. When you have (Carroll) that was with him say those words about him and talk to me at length about it and me watch the tape and what he actually did with all those quarterbacks — to me, that’s proof.”

Waldron, 44, was officially hired as the Bears' new offensive coordinator in January. He served as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator for the last three years, helping former journeyman quarterback Geno Smith earn Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2022 and become a two-time Pro Bowl player in Seattle.

In leading the Bears’ offense alongside the defensive-minded Eberflus, Waldron will be tasked with either developing a young quarterback prospect like USC's Caleb Williams — whom Chicago could select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft — or guiding three-year starter Justin Fields to greater heights in his fourth NFL season.

The Bears remain in an information-gathering mode this week at the NFL Combine as they explore their quarterback options and evaluate trade offers, general manager Ryan Poles said earlier Tuesday.

As the front office conducts that work, Eberflus is ready to rely on Waldron’s experience as the Bears make a pivotal decision at quarterback.

“Like you would any offensive coordinator, you’re going to lean on the process," Eberflus said. "Obviously, quarterback’s the leader of the offense along with the offensive coordinator.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .