 When the regular season started, the Jets lost seven of their first nine games, and Winner was fired.Offensive coordinator Ken Shipp became interim head coach, and the Jets finished with a record of 3–11.Running back John Riggins, who became the first 1,000-yard rusher in franchise history during the season and made the Pro Bowl, departed for the Washington Redskins as he felt the Jets' Namath-led offense passed the ball too often.