The 1978 Ottawa Rough Riders finished in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 12–4 record.

In 1978, Tony Gabriel was named the Outstanding Player in the CFL.

By 1978, Condredge Holloway's interception totals had dropped from 9, 6 and 5 in his first three years to just 2 on 214 attempts in 1978.

[1] Holloway's share of Ottawa's passing yards was between 25.7 – 32.8 percent over the first three years.

Holloway's higher profile and obvious improvement would be factors in Clements' May, 1979 trade to Saskatchewan.