The University of Miami greeted new coach Butch Davis with a message: Get to work. Davis, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator who took over the Hurricanes on Tuesday, faces two daunting tasks: assembling a staff and salvaging Miami's recruiting class. "This is really a dream job for me," said Davis, 43, after signing a five-year contract at $700,000 a year. "But this isn't a time for celebrating. There's a lot of work to be done. "I want to meet with as many (high school) players face to face as possible. I truly believe we can have a very good recruiting class." Many of the players at the top of UM's wish list have turned a cold shoulder to the Hurricanes with only a week to go before the national signing period begins. Four of Miami's top prospects committed elsewhere in recent days. "We wanted to get this done as quickly as possible so the new coach would be in place to meet with recruits," said UM athletic director Paul Dee. "This doesn't give Butch a lot of time, but I believe he can bring in a good class." Current Hurricanes welcomed the announcement with joy that their new coach has UM ties. Davis coached Miami's defensive linemen under Jimmy Johnson in 1984-88. Three of his proteges were first-round NFL selections. "I think it's a good choice," said running back Danyell Ferguson. "We want a winner and he's been a winner here and in Dallas. I don't expect anything less from him now."