(Photo credit: Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore agreed to a plea deal Friday, avoiding trial in a criminal case that followed his December firing over an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Moore agreed to plead no contest to new misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing, according to prosecutors in Washtenaw County (Mich.). In exchange, the previous charges -- including third-degree felony home invasion -- were dismissed.

Moore, 40, will return to the courtroom of Judge J. Cedric Simpson on April 14 for sentencing. Attorneys unrelated to the case told the Detroit Free Press he is unlikely to serve prison time because he had no previous criminal record.

Moore arrived at the courthouse holding hands with his wife, Kelli, who sat in the front row behind him during the proceeding.

Michigan fired Moore for cause on Dec. 10 for engaging in a longstanding relationship with his executive assistant. On the day he was fired, he allegedly went to the apartment of the woman with whom he had the affair. She told authorities he barged in, grabbed two butter knives and backed her into a corner.

Moore was arrested and spent two nights in jail. The original charges of home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering included penalties of up to five years in prison.

Moore had a 16-8 record at Michigan after taking over for Jim Harbaugh, for whom he served as offensive coordinator. Both he and Harbaugh were embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy from the school's 2023 national championship season, with Moore ultimately serving a two-game suspension.

--Field Level Media