The theatrics began Sunday afternoon upon the arrival in Lincoln of a twin-engine Cessna Citation registered to Norfolk Iron and Metal Co., whose president is Richard Robinson.
The plane, with Osborne on board, left Lincoln Airport for Baton Rouge, home to Pelini, who is in his third year as defensive coordinator at Louisiana State.
Osborne later embarked on the 73-minute flight to Fulton County Airport in Atlanta, landing shortly before 8 p.m.
The plane taxied several minutes, moving out of sight of the general aviation terminal. It then arrived carrying only the crew members, none of whom agreed to disclose the nature of the trip. The Parker search firm is known for such discretion.