The 1978 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 47th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 42nd in Washington, D.C. The team failed to improve on their 9–5 record from 1977, finishing 8-8. Quarterback and longtime Redskins favorite Billy Kilmer, who primarily served as backup to Joe Theismann during this season, would retire when it was over.