GREENVILLE - Coaching icon Dwight Bowling will get another month for plea negotiations to avoid trial on federal charges he took minors across state lines for sex.

Friday, U.S. District Judge W. Allen Pepper in Greenville granted a new trial date of April 11 in response to Bowling's attorney's request earlier this week for more time.

Without the delay, he faced a federal trial March 7.

His defense attorney, Christi R. McCoy of Oxford, told the court she was in plea discussions across multiple jurisdictions and needed more time to pursue a deal without going to trial.

If convicted on all charges, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Bowling, who coached at Smithville High School for 28 years, faces state charges related to accusations of sex with minors in Monroe and Itawamba counties. Alabama charges also are expected related to allegations while he was coach at Sulligent, Ala., High School.

In setting a new trial date. Pepper's order said he deems "a continuance is necessary to permit defendant an opportunity to resolve the charges against him and to avoid the necessity of a trial."

Bowling, 53, was arrested Sept. 17 on his way home from a Sulligent football game.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held without bond in the Oxford Detention Center.

Contact Patsy Brumfield at (662) 678-1596 or patsy.brumfield@journalinc.com.