The situation with wide receiver Laveranues Coles during the last few weeks was a "painful deal" for the Redskins, head coach Joe Gibbs said on Thursday.

However, Gibbs believes that trading him to the New York Jets for wide receiver Santana Moss will be a "great solution for both sides."

"I had several meetings with L.C. and we went through the process," Gibbs said. "In the end, we felt like what we did was for the best and it did work out. We wish L.C. the best."

The departure of Coles from the Redskins was certainly unforeseen at the start of the offseason.

During a conference call with New York media on Wednesday, Coles said that he "just wasn't comfortable" playing in Gibbs' offensive system. Other than that comment, Coles declined to elaborate on why he was unhappy playing in Washington.

Last season, the Redskins' offense struggled, particularly in the downfield passing attack. Coles caught 90 passes, third most in team history in a single season, but he had just 950 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Gibbs has said that the ground game, led by Clinton Portis, will remain the focal point of his offense in 2005.

The Redskins had acquired Coles--as a restricted free agent from the Jets--prior to the 2003 season when Steve Spurrier was head coach. Spurrier was known for his passing offense in college.

Coles was asked if he was surprised that the Redskins agreed to trade him.

"No, I'm not surprised," Coles told New York reporters. "They are a very understanding organization and they are very down-to-earth people. They were very good to me in giving me an opportunity to come back to where I wanted to go.

"That shows the type of people they are and what type of character Coach Gibbs has."

Following Thursday's press conference introducing Moss to the Washington media at Redskins Park, Gibbs said he was confident that a situation similar to what has happened to Coles this offseason would not occur again.

"I have a confidence that's not going to happen very often around here," Gibbs said. "I think in our locker room and with our players, I have a good feel for them. It's a great group of guys."

Pressed further, Gibbs added: "It could happen again. And it may be something where you can't work your way through it. But that's part of life. In each situation like that, you address it and you go after it."