In 1978, he started 3 games in place of the injured Harvey Martin and Jethro Pugh. He made 3 key plays in the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, forcing a fumble from running back John Cappelletti, stopped Pat Haden's quarterback draw short of a first down, which contributed to a missed field goal and pressured Haden into an interception. Cole also started in Super Bowl XIII in place of injured Pugh, tying a record with 5 Super Bowl appearances.