Thanks so much for the replies! This worked. I was using a 2d sprite for the controller originally, but I had it in a container with the model for ease of referencing so I couldn't destroy the model without destroying the player controller. Instead of using a container, I added an instance variable to the model representing which 2d player controller it should follow. This way, I can easily destroy and re-create the model without impacting a player's container. Your idea to destroy & create new works just as well as the "reload" I initially wanted.
Thanks again, and great plugin!