NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Giants fired defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan on Monday after the team missed the playoffs following a 5-0 start and yielded more points than they had in 43 seasons.

The Giants surrendered 427 points in the season, including back-to-back thrashings of 41-9 to Carolina and 44-7 to Minnesota to end an 8-8 campaign. Only Detroit (2-14) and St Louis (1-15) allowed more points this season.

New York allowed just 71 points over their first five games during the easier part of their schedule, but gave up an average of more than 32 points a game in their last 11.

Sheridan, who had previously served as Giants' linebackers coach, was in his first year as a coordinator taking over for Steve Spagnuolo, who left after two seasons to become head coach of the St Louis Rams.

(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Greg Stutchbury)