Mike Tomlin reacts to tragic Pittsburgh death

The extended Pittsburgh sports community suffered a loss this week, as Stan Savran, who served as a longtime broadcaster for both the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with lung cancer. 

Steelers owner Art Rooney II released the following statement: 

"This is a sad day in the City of Pittsburgh as we lost a legendary person, media icon, and close friend with the passing of Stan Savran. He was a gentleman in every way possible, and he did so much for our city and Western Pa. with his honest candor and knowledge of all sports, both locally and nationally."

And soon, it was Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin offering his condolences.

"We had a long and prosperous past professional relationship with him. He was the absolute best,” Tomin said. “I just really enjoyed that gentleman. The spirit, the energy, the awesome stories of Pittsburgh, just a legend, just really appreciated (him) as a guy that at one time was new to the city, man, I always appreciated his perspective on my circumstance, being able to share a story from the past and educate me a little bit. Just really appreciated it.”

It sure seems as though just about everyone in the Pittsburgh sports community was affected at some point by Savran, and his loss will certainly leave a gap.