re: Is Nick Saban really a great coach?

I think that recruiting and player evaluation are a part of coaching just like selecting a staff, organization, and Xs and Os. Most "great" coaches will tell you that surrounding themselves with good coaches/staff is one of the main part.

I do think that Saban is outstanding at recruiting, obviously and finding diamonds in the rough to go along with all his 4&5 star recruits.

But his relentless work ethic is probably his best quality.