CHICAGO -- Bill Cartwright's basketball pedigree is impeccable and his experience undeniable, and on Monday he expanded his r?sum? by agreeing to coach the Chicago Bulls without the "interim" label anymore.

Cartwright now will be in charge of charting the Bulls' course after agreeing on a three-year option on his contract reportedly for $4.5 million.

Cartwright excelled as a player for Elk Grove High, the University of San Francisco, the New York Knicks, the Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics before paying his dues behind the scenes as a Chicago scout and assistant coach.