The decision comes in the wake of yesterday's 3-0 defeat by Oldham which leaves the Reds just four points above the drop zone in League One.
Megson was in charge for 13 months after replacing Joe Kinnear in January 2005 but could not prevent Forest slipping out of the Championship.
Installed as favourites to win League One, Forest have been inconsistent all season and are yet to keep a clean sheet away from home.