It was tough for Eric Winters to hear Auburn co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Charles Kelly was taking the head coaching job at Jacksonville State.

But disappointment turned into pride when the Auburn safety signee heard on Friday that his primary recruiter was taking a new job.

“I mean, it was heartbreaking,” Winters told AL.com. “But I told him, I respect it, and I’m happy for him because that’s what happens in his profession. You get a better job, you’ve got to take it.

“It was heartbreaking to see him go, but I’m proud of him.”

It was officially announced on Saturday that Kelly will be Jax State’s next head football coach, replacing now-West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez. Kelly departs Auburn after one season under head coach Hugh Freeze.

Highly regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, he was named 2023 247Sports Recruiter of the Year for his time at Colorado and Alabama.

“Him being able to relate with people and having such a deep connection with everybody in the state of Alabama,” Winters said of what makes Kelly a talented recruiter. “Knowing a whole bunch of coaches, and just getting to know you very well and know your family.”

After Winters’ commitment, he was impressed with how Kelly’s intentionality never let up in staying connected.

“He never lets up, and he just keeps the gas on the pedal and just keeps that same bond,” the former Enterprise High football standout said. “It just keeps getting stronger and stronger and stronger.”

Before his stops with Auburn and Colorado, Kelly served as assistant defensive coordinator and coached safeties on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama from 2019-22.

Along with his experience as a coordinator and coach dating back to the 90s, Winters spoke highly of Kelly’s character and work ethic in the time spent with him.

“They’re getting a great man, a great coach, and a guy that’s going to give them their all,” Winters said of Kelly.

Along with Winters, Kelly helped Auburn land 4-star commit Anquon Fegans out of Thompson High School to bolster one of the top recruiting classes in the country for the class of 2025.

The Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 6 in the country, according to 247Sports and On3.

“He’s coached guys that look like me, so he knows what he’s doing,” Winters said. “Him just studying film all the time just knowing all your weaknesses and strengths and using those to your ability.”

Winters, who will report to Auburn on Jan. 13, said the group of recruits and additions from the NCAA transfer portal are incredibly encouraging to see.

“We’re getting a lot of guys that we want,” he said. “We signed a lot of guys that we wanted and needed, so we’re heading back on the right track.”