The defense showed obvious improvement in Saturday's White Out, stamping out Minnesota's run-first scheme.
"I feel like too many people are too harsh on him. I think he does a really good job. He cares about this program and this university."
The Beaver Stadium crowd forced five false start penalties on Minnesota.
D'Elia pioneered Penn State's introduction of the White Out in 2004 and the recurring presence of Zombie Nation.
After one season as Penn State's offensive coordinator, Ciarrocca was fired to make room for the hiring of Mike Yurcich.
Franklin was one of 20 college football coaches named to the award's midseason watch list.