Brooks was in charge when the U.S., which contained mainly college players, beat the experienced Soviet Union on the way to the gold medal in Lake Placid.
The team later visited the White House. Jimmy Carter, president at the time, proclaimed the victory as "one of the most breathtaking upsets, not only in Olympic history, but in the entire history of sports".
A few days before the Olympics, the U.S. was thumped 10-3 by the Soviet Union in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden.
More of the same was expected when the teams met in the penultimate game in Lake Placid but Brooks told his charges: "You're meant to be here; this moment is yours".
It was, the Americans winning 4-3 on Mike Eruzione's late goal. Two days after upsetting the Soviets, the U.S. defeated Finland 4-2 for the gold medal.
NO CHANCE
"Without Herb Brooks coaching the team, they would have had no chance," broadcaster Al Michaels, who called the action in 1980, told ESPN.
Brooks, from St Paul, Minnesota, was behind the bench again at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, leading his country to the silver medal.
He also coached four NHL teams but his longest stint was with the New York Rangers from 1981-85.
Brooks was also with the Minnesota North Stars (1987-8
, New Jersey Devils (1992-93) and the Penguins (1999-2000).
He played hockey at the University of Minnesota and then coached the school for seven seasons (1972-79) before taking over as national team coach. He was named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.
"Herb Brooks is synonymous with American hockey, and those of us lucky enough to be around him learned something from him every day," said Penguins general manager Craig Patrick, who assisted Brooks in 1980.
