He has an all-star team every year. His SUPPORT staff is made up of top notch coaches, and it's not like he just has an eye for good workers...he filters out the ones that don't perform. Great CEO and a great defensive coach. I'd be insane to say he hasn't accomplished great things, or that he isn't on the top of the coaching ranks right now.
Now, what I am saying, is that he's accomplished AS MUCH as he has because of the resources. I think the real Nick Saban is a championship caliber coach who could coach up a team capable of winning a Natty. Which is what he did at LSU...he won 8 games, then had 1 great year and won the Natty, while following that up with another 8 win season. He doesn't go 8 years in a row completely dominating all of the NCAAF if he doesn't have consistent top 2 classes and the resources to constantly get as many staff members and best coaches he can buy is my point though.