In their only season under head coach Warren Powers, the Cougars compiled a 6–5 record (3–4 in Pac-8, tied for fourth), and outscored their opponents 263 to 236.

[3] The Cougars opened the season with an upset win at fifteenth-ranked Nebraska.

[4][5] Previously an assistant with the Huskers,[6][7][8] Powers left after just twelve months in Pullman for Missouri of the Big Eight Conference.

[9][10][11] His predecessor in 1976, Jackie Sherrill, also lasted just one season with the Cougars.

Eight Cougars were selected in the 1978 NFL draft; Ken Greene was the first player from Washington State taken in the first round in 13 years.