McCarthy excited to coach Prescott: 'I've always been impressed with him'

Mike McCarthy spoke to the media for the first time as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday and had effusive praise for his new quarterback.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with Dak (Prescott). What he's done so far is very impressive," McCarthy said during his introductory press conference. "I think a lot of us in the league, you watch people from afar. But when you have a chance to watch a player live, and I can recall his rookie year when he played in Green Bay. So, I've always been impressed with him."

McCarthy pointed out that Dallas' offensive game plan will be centered around its pivot.

"Our offensive system will be built around making the quarterback successful," he said. "That's the way I've learned it, and that's the way I believe you play offense. We have a great one there to work with."

Prescott is coming off his best season in the NFL, completing 65.1% of his passes for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

McCarthy also plans on a heavy dose of Ezekiel Elliott.

"He's going to get the football," he said. "Make no mistake about that."

McCarthy, 56, is the ninth head coach in Cowboys history. Owner Jerry Jones told reporters his impressive resume was a catalyst for the hire.

"(It was) his familiarity with working with a storied and historic franchise with a worldwide fan base with expectations that are very high," Jones said during the press conference of his decision. "His availability was fortuitous for this franchise."

McCarthy holds a career record of 135-85-2 as a head coach (including postseason). He led the Packers to six division titles during his 13-year tenure and won Super Bowl XLV with the franchise.