Willsey, whose legacy at Cal goes back to the 1950s when he played under Pappy Waldorf, passed away at his Idaho home recently, according to a report by the Contra Costa Times.
After graduating, Willsey spent some time in the CFL before moving onto coaching.
A former quarterback and defensive back, Willsey took over the Cal program in 1964 and headed it until 1972, going 40-42-1 during his time. His best season with the Bears came in 1968, when the Bears went 7-3-1 and finished third in the conference. He then spent time coaching in the NFL, the World Football League and the CFL after leaving Cal.
Willsey was honored in 2002 with the Glenn T. Seaborg award, which is given in recognition for a player's achievements while wearing the Blue and Gold.