<div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Greg Stutchbury)</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=66278443&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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