change is known as the "Ken Stabler rule" after the Oakland Raiders quarterback who made the infamous play in the Holy Roller game. In officiating circles, it's known as the "Markbreit rule" after Jerry Markbreit, who was the referee for that game. Uprights were extended to 30 feet above the crossbar. Division Races Starting in 1978, ten teams qualified for the playoffs: the winners of each of the divisions, and two wild-card teams in each conference. National Football Conference American Football Conference Final standings Tiebreakers San Diego was the top AFC playoff seed based on head-to-head victory over Pittsburgh (1-0). Seattle finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on head-to-head sweep (2–0). Dallas finished ahead of Philadelphia in the NFC East based on better conference record (10–2 to Philadelphia's 9–3). Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago in the NFC Central based on better division record (6–2 to Chicago's 5–3). Chicago was the second NFC Wild Card ahead of Washington based on better net points in all games (+57 to Washington's 53). Playoffs Statistical leaders Team Awards Coaching changes Offseason Cincinnati Bengals: Homer Rice began his first full season as the team's head coach. He replaced Bill Johnson after the Bengals started the 1978 season at 0–5. Oakland Raiders: John Madden retired and was replaced by Tom Flores. New England Patriots: Ron Erhardt was named as permanent head coach. The team had suspended Chuck Fairbanks for the last regular season game in 1978. Fairbanks had been in talks all that season to join the University of Colorado Buffaloes, breaching his contract with the Patriots. Coordinators Erhardt and Hank Bullough took over as co-interim head coaches for that final 1978 game. Fairbanks was reinstated as head coach two weeks later for the Divisional Playoffs, but left in the off-season to join Colorado. New York Giants: John McVay was fired and replaced by Ray Perkins. San Diego Chargers: Don Coryell began his first full season as Chargers head coach. He replaced Tommy Prothro, who was fired after a 1–3 start in 1978. San Francisco 49ers: Bill Walsh was hired as the new 49ers head coach. Pete McCulley was fired after a 1–8 start in 1978, and Fred O'Connor served as interim for the last seven games. In-season St. Louis Cardinals: Bud Wilkinson was fired after the team started the season at 3–10 for refusing to bench longtime starting quarterback Jim Hart