Titans win 17-13 in head coach Brian Callahan’s debut

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — So far, so good for Brian Callahan as head coach of the Titans.

The 40-year-old made his Tennessee debut on Saturday night as Tennessee beat San Francisco 17-13 in the preseason opener for both teams.

Callahan gave his offensive starters two drives against the 49ers, and they made the most of them. Second-year quarterback Will Levis completed four of five passes and had a one-yard scamper for a touchdown to cap the Titans’ first possession that was set up by Kearis Jackson’s electrifying 63-yard return against the new kickoff alignment.

Tennessee’s second offensive series was also marked by some big special teams play. Sixth-round rookie Jha’Quan Jackson provided good field position with a 26-yard punt return.

Levis then connected with new receiver Calvin Ridley over the middle for a big third-down conversion before new running back Tony Pollard broke free around the right side for a 24-yard gain.

A couple of plays later, Tyjae Spears ran for a four-yard touchdown to finish the starters’ night with 14 points on plays.

The first team’s defense was less complete.

Stars Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry had the night off. Free agent L’Jarius Sneed is getting his preseason load under control, fellow cornerback Chidobe Awuzie remains out with an injury and recently signed safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs did not play.

The first team, working with patches, allowed the 49ers to advance 74 yards in 11 plays on the opening drive of the game.

Backup Brandon Allen completed a pair of third-down passes to keep the drive going and Jordan Mason scored a four-yard touchdown to start the night’s scoring.

Mason Rudolph came in for Levis and completed 10 of 17 passes for 126 yards.

He was also charged with a fumble on the opening drive of the second half after catching a high snap, but his throw to Julius Chestnut was muffed and later recovered by the 49ers.

Malik Willis played most of the second half, completing five of his seven passes and leading the team with 42 rushing yards on four attempts. He led the Titans on a seven-play, 49-yard drive that culminated with Brayden Narveson’s 34-yard field goal that extended the lead to 17-7.

Former Titans and Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs responded with a six-yard touchdown run, but couldn’t get the 49ers back into the end zone.

Keondre Coburn tracked him down for a sack near the sideline on fourth down at the 2:00 warning, and though San Francisco got the ball back once again, Chance Campbell intercepted Dobbs’ desperation pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.

The Titans will have Sunday off before returning to training camp on Monday.

They will host the Seahawks for a pair of joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday before the second preseason game next Saturday night.