during Game Six of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement.

Step aside Luke Walton, the boss is back.

After missing 43 games following two back surgeries, Steve Kerr will return to the sidelines to coach the Golden State Warriors when they face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Kerr, who led the Warriors to an NBA title last season, has a lot to live up to. Under Walton, the Warriors won their first 24 games of the season and stand at 39-4 on the year.

Technically, the 39 wins the Warriors accrued under Walton count toward Kerr’s career record, so he’s having an awfully good season without having even coached a game.

Golden State’s fast start under Walton is either a testament to the system installed by Kerr or evidence that this team is so good that any coach (except Mark Jackson, apparently) can succeed with them. Or maybe a combination the two – we hear so much about the culture and atmosphere around the Warriors, and it seems fair to credit that to Kerr, even in absentia, but the team has been humming along with Walton calling the shots in-game.

After that incredible start, Golden State has sputtered a little lately, losing to Denver and Detroit (but crushing Cleveland and Chicago). Kerr’s return could give Steph Curry and friends a little jolt and get the team back to its unstoppable early-season form.

With half the season gone by, the Warriors are overwhelming title favorites and appear to have a shot at the record for most wins in a season (72). No pressure, Steve.

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.